Recommendation:
About 60,000 traditional drilling Guard members also work full-time as federal civilian employees. Known as "dual-status technician" jobs, these individuals are authorized 120 hours (15 days based on an eight hour schedule) for military leave annually. Recently, the National Guard has moved from being a strategic reserve to an operational force. As such, most Guardsmen will be called up to serve on State Active Duty orders. The current OPTEMPO has seen a rise in the frequency of State Active Duty missions which are exclusive to the National Guard. Therefore, NGAUS should work with congress and emphasize the benefits of allowing military leave to be flexible by covering State Active Duty.